What makes somebody a "good" parent?

Parenting Styles   |   Age: 7 months 1 week

What makes somebody a "good" parent?

Every parent wants to be a good parent, but what that means exactly is hard to pin down. We all have different ideas of how parenting should look. These standards are based on what we grew up with and also what's around us. They have a huge range, too, from heavily involved to more hands-off approaches. So if we have all of these different expectations, how can you tell if the job you're doing is 'good' or 'bad'?

At the heart of it, the quality of parenting on a child is measured by how the child is being treated. What helps one child thrive could be all wrong for another, and this can definitely confuse the definition. And what about values? Some people think good parents prepare their children to reach the peak of achievement, while others just want their children to be happy. Some parents feel most successful when they are close to their children, while others want a more distanced relationship with their children as a way of maintaining authority. None of these are necessarily the right, or wrong, choices.

This level of variation in parenting can make it hard to figure out your specific way of functioning as a parent. However, there are a few principles of positive parenting that seem to consistently help parents interact with their children.

Do as I do: the importance of good modeling

You may have noticed by now that your baby is already starting to mimic and stare at your facial expressions and movements. Even if she tried, she can’t help being more influenced by your actions than your words. Try to keep in mind that she watches you to see how the world works.

This can apply to more obvious things, like modeling a healthy lifestyle, healthy relationships, manners, and other social skills. However, it also makes a difference when it comes to things you might not be thinking about passing on, like your ability to manage stress, your ability to hold onto or let go of control, your positive or negative attitude, or whether you’re willing to talk about problems that you're struggling with.

Adapt to survive: meeting your baby’s needs as they change

Your parenting style definitely doesn’t stay the same from age one to age eighteen. This might seem intuitive, but it’s harder to realize in real life that what worked last week could be useless today. This goes for everything from food to discipline, and while it’s not always easy to adjust to, it is a good sign - it means that your baby is growing and changing, just the way she should.

Steady wins the race: the importance of consistency

There are many different opinions about what kind of boundaries to set for your baby, but what's super important is following all boundaries once you've set them. Consistency, even in boundaries your baby doesn’t want to follow, is how she learns where the limits of her world are, and how she learns to feel secure. They’re also a good way to lay the groundwork for politeness and discipline when she’s a little older.

The bottom line

There's no one action or belief or rule that makes somebody a better parent than another person, so try not to overanalyze it. You love your baby, and you want what's best for her - you're a good parent. The rest will follow.

More articles at this age

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How much sleep is too much when a baby is sick?

Sleep can be the best medicine, but in some cases, too much sleep during an illness can be a cause for concern.

Mealtime hacks for life with a baby

Sure, you have your own food hacks - the possibilities are endless! Avocados in smoothies, peanut butter in ramen, and cereal instead of breadcrumbs for chicken, to name a few . . . But what about food hacks for your baby?

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